Breeds in the Terrier Group of Dogs

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They are country dogs, except the city-bred Manchester Terrier, bred to hunt vermin, from rats to polecats to otters; whatever our views on wildlife today all these creatures stole from people who lived hard lives, whether it was the corn from the store or the fish from the stew ponds.  What is particularly notable is how regional the names are; the Cairn and Skye Terriers both originate from the Isle of Skye and the Cairn was first shown as the "Short-Haired Skye Terrier" in 1909, but given his current name to differentiate him from the Skye.  The Scottish Terrier was at one time known as the Aberdeen Terrier.  Other breeds such as the Lakeland, Airedale and Border, for example, were known by a range of highly localised names before acquiring the names by which they are now known.

Two of the terrier breeds were named because of the men who developed them - the Parson Jack Russell after the hunting parson, Reverend John Russell and the Sealyham, which was created by Captain Edwardes of Sealyham in Pembrokeshire.

Their skills at pursuing their prey found them a variety of homes; working farms where they kept the resident rat population under control; hunt kennels where they worked in tandem with hounds hunting fox or otter and the other gentlemanly pursuit of badger hunting for which Captain Edwardes bred his Sealyhams.

The Bull Terriers were developed to fight, both against each other and before it was outlawed in 1835 in pits against larger adversaries.  Because these dogs were working men's dogs who lived in the home they were required to show absolutely perfect temperament to people and those who did not were quickly despatched. To this day there are few better dogs with children than the Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

As long ago as 1677 terriers were divided into two groups - the short legged, also known as earth dogs because of their keenness at going to ground after their prey, and the long legged who hunted above ground but were capable of going to ground when necessary.  Be prepared for your short-legged terrier to do some excavating in the garden - it's in their genes!

The Airedale, the largest of the terriers, has proved to be adept at many tasks and was used during the First World War as a Red Cross dog amongst other tasks. 

The dogs you see in the showring today in some instances carry a strong resemblance to their working roots, but the trimmed breeds are a world away from the farm and win some of the highest accolades in the world of the showdog.  Airedales, Kerry Blues and Wire Fox Terriers have all won Best in Show at Crufts.  

They are amongst the most fun dogs to own if you don't expect too much in the way of obedience; excellent with all members of the family and eager to get involved with anything that's happening.  Some breeds have naturally better temperaments than others as far as socialising with other dogs is concerned and some are better at adapting to a town life.  No breed is perfect for everyone, but at least one breed is near enough perfect for someone, it's just a matter of finding it and this Group has a lot to offer.